Mart Saarma

1 Jan 2009–31 Dec 2013

Mart Saarma is engaged in research to explore the role of neuronal growth factors in neurodegenerative diseases. His research team have recently identified a new conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF). CDNF, mammalian MANF and invertebrate MANFs form a new family of evolutionarily conserved growth factors. CDNF may prove to be useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Future experiments will shed further light on the function of CDNF and its therapeutic potential. Academy Professor Saarma holds several patents and affiliate licences with both domestic and foreign pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.